Direct Booking Success Podcast

Does this sound familiar? You've been told to constantly lower your prices and offer discounts to attract more guests to your vacation rental. But despite your efforts, you're still struggling to fill up your calendar and increase your direct bookings. The pain of constantly lowering your prices and not seeing the desired results can be disheartening. It's time to discover a more effective approac...

Imagine stumbling upon a picturesque French island in the Caribbean, only for it to unexpectedly ignite a passion for data-driven decision-making. Thibault Masson's journey from a spontaneous villa shopping spree to becoming a successful vacation rental manager will leave you awe-inspired. But hold on tight, because there's an unexpected twist awaiting him on an exotic black sand beach in Bali. Fi...

Are you making the most of each day or just trying to get through it? Accommodation business managers and owners, it's time to seize the day and maximize your bookings during the slow seasons But what happens when your calendar is empty and you're left scrambling for last-minute bookings? Stay tuned to find out... In this episode, you will be able to: Get a grip on maximizing the potential of each...

Join me, Jen Boyles, on the Direct Booking Success Podcast as I share two big updates. From my personal journey of moving back to Canada to the launch of the 3rd Direct Booking Success Summit - the only free online event for vacation and short-term rental property managers and owners. In this episode, you will be able to: Uncover the art of successful online participation in the exclusive Direct B...

Does this sound familiar? You've been told that achieving Superhost status on Airbnb is the ultimate goal for increasing bookings. So, you've worked tirelessly to maintain high ratings and provide exceptional service, only to find that it actually does little for your bookings. The pain of putting in all that effort, yet still not seeing the results you desire, can be disheartening. But here's the...

From vintage trailers to treehouses, Alex Wilson and Dawn Crawford's love for unique accommodations led them on a journey they never imagined. Host Unusual was born, offering a platform for travellers seeking an unforgettable experience. But their story doesn't end there. As they pushed boundaries, Host Unusual's listings expanded to include everything from bunkers to UFOs, and even a giant boot!...

Are you tired of unpredictable booking levels? In this episode, I reveal my secrets to getting direct bookings every day while diversifying your channels. But what happens when one of your main channels suddenly disappears? Tune in to find out. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the power of direct bookings and channel diversification to optimize your hospitality business. Uncover how...

Have you heard these myths about rental success and the guest experience? Myth #1: As long as the place is clean, guests will be happy. Myth #2: The guest experience doesn't matter, as long as you have a good location. Myth #3: You don't need to go above and beyond for guests, they just want a place to sleep. But here's the truth: a positive guest experience is essential for rental success. From f...

Dave Cordner had always known the importance of video marketing for his short-term rental business in Belfast. But it was during the pandemic that he truly realized its power. As the tourism industry came to a standstill, Dave took it upon himself to showcase his beloved city through videos. He showcased local attractions, restaurants, and interviewed locals. What he didn't expect was the incredib...

Does this sound familiar? You've been told to focus on increasing your short-term rental's direct bookings, but you feel stuck in the same place. Perhaps you've tried running promotions or lowering your prices, but nothing seems to work. The frustration of not seeing results is all too real. It's time to stop spinning your wheels and start implementing a strategy that works. By breaking down your...

From aspiring police officer to successful hotel manager, Craig Webb's journey took an unexpected turn when he discovered the power of digital marketing. But what's even more surprising is how his experience in the hotel industry can revolutionise the short-term rental market. Are you ready to learn from his insightful strategies and take your business to the next level? In this episode, you will...

Are you a vacation rental property manager who wants to take your guests' experiences to the next level with personalised and exceptional services? Meet Jacob Wedderburn-Day, a savvy entrepreneur who co-founded Stasher, a brilliant solution to a common travel problem - luggage storage. With a strong background in economics and a passion for business, Jacob has used his expertise to create a platfo...

Sustainability pioneer and vacation rental tech entrepreneur Vanessa de Souza Lage introduces the world's first sustainability badge for vacation rentals, offering a simple yet impactful way for property managers to reward eco-friendly practices and gain visibility in a growing market. In this episode, you will be able to: Grasp the crucial role sustainable tourism plays in vacation rentals and th...

Are you tired of trying to drive direct bookings by engaging with random guests on social media, only to see no results?  It's time to ditch the ineffective approach and focus on what really works. Join me in this episode and discover the power of engaging with perfect guests on social platforms, showcasing property benefits beyond just amenities, producing compelling content that captivates...

She left her city life behind to move to a remote island and run a holiday let management business with her husband. But when unexpected demand for bookings grows beyond their expectations, will they be able to keep up and maintain their success? Find out in this intriguing tale of a small business that went from zero to 100% direct bookings. In this episode, you will be able to: Develop meaningfu...

Are you frustrated with trying to achieve higher occupancy rates with curated properties and direct bookings, but not getting the desired results? Discover the secrets to success in this episode, where you will be able to uncover the nuances of crafting a distinguished vacation rental portfolio with the 100 Collection, comprehend the essence of personalising experiences and hospitality techniques,...

In the past few years, the media has been encouraging people to open short-term rentals and make a fortune, but the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th century tells us this get rich quick tale may not have a happy ending. In this episode, I explain what it takes to keep your business afloat in a turbulent market and how to make sure you don't end up like the abandoned Klondike boomtowns.  I...

Have you heard of Chat GPT? Of course you have! But do you know how to use it? And how to use it for your STR business specifically? Today's guest Bart Sobies gives us a brief description of what it is and many examples of how we can benefit from using the AI tool in the hospitality industry and how to generate more direct bookings. We talk about: What AI is and what Chat GPT is How we can use Cha...

I loved speaking with today's guest and finding out more about the one thing she has done that has made a real difference to her short-term rental business. Today I spoke with Ged Hartshorn, who has created a way to make her guests feel welcome and, at the same time, retrieve vital information to really make their stay and future stays much more bespoke and personal. We talk about: Managing a prop...

Have you ever been to an industry conference? This year there are even more than ever before! And no matter where you are in the world, there will probably be one near you. In this episode of the Direct Booking Success Podcast, I give you my list of the must attend short-term rental events in 2023. And don’t worry, one requires no travel at all! I talk about: Our sector of the hospitality industry...

How can you collect all your guests’ email addresses, not just the booker? Today I speak with Arthur Colker who founded StayFi, the innovative solution for short-term rental owners and managers who want to collect all of their guests’ email addresses and not solely rely on the online travel agencies like Airbnb. We talk about: How StayFi started How hard it is collecting guest data for marketing p...

Does your short-term rental need more bookings this spring? In this episode, I share three practical tips for short-term rental owners and managers to increase bookings quickly. Immediate results are crucial, so I provide actionable advice to help you achieve your booking goals. I talk about: How strange 2023 is for bookings so far The results of my Three Futures Growth Gameplan How your big dream...

What if you could create more revenue while increasing your guests’ experience? That's precisely what me and Madison Rifkin of Mount discuss in this episode of the Direct Booking Success Podcast. Madison is a young entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in innovation working towards creating better experiences for guests and travellers worldwide. Madison also explains how using Mount can drive m...

Have you ever thought of inviting an influencer to stay? That's what today's guest Emily-Jane Tams did, and the results speak for themselves. Emily-Jane tells us how she did it and lets us in on a few do’s and don’ts along the way…I think you are going to enjoy this one. We talk about: Running a full-time family holiday let business Having a six unit property in rural Leicestershire, England Her o...

Are you staying up-to-date with industry news? Today we speak with Paul Stevens, editor Short Term Rentalz, part of the International Hospitality News network. He is also the host of The Shortyz Awards, a perfect way to get some recognition for all your hard work. We talk about: Providing world-wide coverage of news for our short-term rental sector of the Hospitality Industry The isolation you cou...